Grover Cleveland 'Forensicators' Place in County Competition

Ten students from Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell participated last month in the Countywide Forensic Tournament in Declamation. The “forensicators” brought home five trophies, including first, second and fourth place in the varsity competition, according to the district.

Representing the local middle school in the varsity competition were eighth graders Megan West, Lydia Wielgus and Roxanne Wilcox; seventh graders Ashvin Nagarajan, Brendan Padover Alexandra Wertz and Oliva Carrara. In the varsity competition, Wieglus earned first place, Wertz earned second place and West earned fourth place.  

Junior varsity participants included sixth graders Julia Tuck, Nicole Tanelli, Jessica Rizzo and Natasha LaChac. Tuck earned second place and Rizzo earned third place.

“The students work very hard to perfect their readings, practicing for months at a time” Claudia Douris, teacher and coach, said in a release. “These students competed against very capable opponents from a variety of other school districts. They all did a great job.” 

Forensics competitions are designed to generate student interest in public speaking.

The countywide competition was held on March 20 at Mt. Pleasant Middle School in Livingston.